FC Barcelona Fixtures 2011/12: 10 Key Games for Pep Guardiola Next Season

Barcelona will have a difficult time in 2011/12 if they want to match last season's success. In order to repeat their La Liga and Champions League wins, they'll have to come out strong and defeat their rivals once again.

This said, the Blaugrana already have their League and Club World Cup match-ups scheduled, so even at this point in the season, Pep Guardiola must be preparing for some of the games he will face.

And there will be some "random" things about the schedule he just won't be very happy about.

Want to know which games might be the the early favorites to play a key part in whether Barcelona is successful in 2011/12?

10. La Liga Week 5 at Valencia: September 21

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Last season's results against Valencia: 0-1 away and 2-1 home

It's a key game because:

Even though they've lost Joaquín, Valencia have gotten stronger this season, adding Adil Rami to their defence, Diego Alves as a goalkeeper and Pablo Piatti as a left winger. And rumors are they are considering one more player to round-out their squad.

Add that to the fact that Valencia has always had Barça's number, and you start to understand why it's not he best idea to face them at home so early in the season.

Last season, Barcelona had a tough time both at home and away, beating Unai Emery's men by one goal on both affairs. So expect a tough clash for the Blaugrana come September 21.

8. La Liga Week 2 vs Villarreal: August 28

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Last season's results against Villarreal: 3-1 home and 0-1 away

It's a key game because:

Barcelona will look to start the season on a fast-track points wise. That's all good and peachy untill you realize their Week 2 rival is Villarreal, also known as the only team that competed with Barça face-to-face and tried to take the ball away from them. They had some success, particularly in El Madrigal, where they only lost by one goal.

Juan Carlos Garrido was also bold in Camp Nou, and even though he lost 3-1, the score wasn't as lopsided as it seems.

Add all of this to the fact this game is only two days after the Supercup vs Porto, and you can really start to worry.

At least it's a home game...

Might get worse if:

UEFA Supercup goes into extra time.

Villarreal and Garrido find a way to take the ball away from the Barça midfield.